Octavarius, a Chicago comedy company, and CNGM Pictures, an independent film organization, partner for transmedia project "I Made America," officially launching on Wednesday. Watch the trailer above. 

"I Made America" uses many media platforms--from online film shorts and social media to street performances and local bar sightings--to tell one story. Six Founding Fathers of the United States of America are kidnapped from the 18th Century and brought to 2012, to be used as props in the upcoming election. Upon discovering that these statesmen hold drastically different political views than any modern day candidate, their kidnappers cut off all ties, leaving them stranded in present day Chicago.

Former celebrities George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Alexander Hamilton and James Madison struggle to make money, find love and regain their dignity. The journey will take many shapes: watch a weekly episode of the Founding Fathers' web series, listen to a song written by Thomas Jefferson, have a conversation with Benjamin Franklin on Facebook or Twitter, get matched with George Washington on dating website OkCupid, read a love poem Alexander Hamilton wrote on Craigslist's Missed Connections, attend a John Adams political campaign rally and run into all of the men hanging out at a neighborhood bar.

*Note: I conduct PR for this company.

I ventured to new Lakeview eatery Native Foods Café (1023 W. Belmont Ave.) before an Octavarius show at ComedySportz one Sunday this fall. After a delish Scorpion Burger—homemade blackened Tempeh, chipotle sauce, romaine, carrots, avocado and onions—I ordered the Cardamom Rose Cupcake. The cake and frosting both tasted like rose. It was also very aromatic. Moreover, since our taste buds and sense of smell are so connected, the flavor was reminiscent of grandma’s perfume.

The production of "Love, Loss, and What I Wore" is a journey into women's lives through fashion. You fell head over heels for your date at prom while dressed in an 80's Madonna-inspired frock, were mortified when staining that white upholstered chair at the fancy dinner party (but luckily didn't permanently stain your paper dress) and were ecstatic walking down the aisle in your very own color palette. This is a taste of the performance I enjoyed with my mother (perfect bonding outing) last night at the Broadway Playhouse at Water Tower Place. 


Your wardrobe tells a story. Each piece attaches memories of where you were and what you did while in the item. "Love, Loss, and What I Wore" speaks to this concept, featuring a new cast of five women—actresses Roni Geva, Cindy Gold, Taylor Miller (of "All My Children" fame), Barbara Robertson and Whitney White—who tell (scripted) stories about happenings in their lives and what they wore. Nora and Delia Ephron wrote the monologues, which are all true accounts from others. The stories are based on best-selling book "Love, Loss, and What I Wore" by Ilene Beckerman as well as recollections of the Ephrons' friends.


The production has been performed all over the world since its debut in 2009. Such celeb cast members included Melissa Joan Hart, Stacy London ("What Not to Wear" co-host), Rosie O' Donnell, Kristin Chenoweth (Broadway and "Glee" star), Fran Drescher, Haylie Duff, Jane Lynch, Brooke Shields, Rumer Willis and many more!


"Love, Loss, and What I Wore" is playing through December 4 ($68-78). Purchase tickets here.


*Note: I conduct PR at a firm that represents this show.

Yesterday was the grand opening of TOPSHOP in Chicago. On my way to work I received a scone and gift card. At about 10:45am, my colleague received a text that her friend saw Miley Cyrus walking into the ginormous shop. Naturally, we ran across the street to spot Miley. We searched both women's floors for the girl in the pink sweater. Just when we were all set to give up, lo and behold, I see Ms. Cyrus sitting on her boyfriend Liam Hemsworth's lap. She was just chilling—touching her locks and chatting with fellow Disney Channel celeb Brenda Song (stared in The Sweet Life of Zack & Cody and The Social Network). The bodyguards stood in front of them to block photos and explained that they needed some private time.

The celeb spotting was not widely promoted ahead of time so I was lucky we got in to spot the starlit. It was the perfect pairing of fashion and celebrity—one could say it was the Best of Both Worlds! I will be back tomorrow to roam the racks full of gorgeous pieces for my fall wardrobe.

Photographed: Brenda Song